Hamilton’s Nina Melker sworn in as Mercer County Freeholder

Freeholder John Cimino administers the oath of office to newly appointed Freeholder Nina Melker who is joined by her family. Contributed Photo.

They often say patience is a virtue and good things come to those who wait.  For Hamilton resident Nina Melker, the wait is over as she has been officially sworn in as Mercer County’s newest member of the Freeholder Board.

Melker was the choice of the Mercer County Democratic party when she stunned insiders at their convention running against a field of 7 other candidates to replace Anthony Verrelli who vacated his freeholder seat ascending to the New Jersey State Assembly in the 15th district.

This was Melkers second go at elected office.  She ran for Hamilton Council in 2013, but fell victim to Chris Christies re-election post-Hurrican Sandy wave, when the Republican Governor was at an all-time high easily beating a throw away candidate in Barbara Buono and sweeping in current Hamilton Mayor Kelly Yaede and her council slate.

But Melker, known for her dedication to community service waited patiently and stayed involved and persisted until her time came.

Surrounded by her family, close friends, state, county, and local elected officials Melker was sworn into office by her good friend and colleague on the Freeholder Board, another Hamilton Resident John Cimino.

Mercer County Executive Brian Huges who attended the ceremony had this to say about Melker – “Nina’s expertise in finance and budgeting will be an asset to the Freeholder Board and the taxpayers of Mercer.  I have known her for many years and she has a special way of relating to and touching people’s lives in a positive way that I have not seen in a long, long time,”

Nina Melker Swearing in with Brian Hughes and Janice S. Mironov

Mercer County Executive Brian Hughes along with East Windsor Mayor and Mercer County Democratic Chair Janice S. Mironov speak during the swearing in for Nina Melker.

Melker is running in the general election on Nov. 6 to be able to serve out the rest of Verrelli’s three-year term, which began in 2017 and which expires Dec. 31, 2019.

“I am so appreciative of all the support from my family, friends and colleagues.  I am truly honored and humbled to serve each and every resident of Mercer County from every corner of every town and can’t wait to get to work for our residents” stated Melker.

 

About The Author


Irving Lawrence Duckwald III is a freelance writer and blogger based in Central New Jersey. He has a penchant for fried chicken, fast cars, and fancy suits. With a knack for "setting the record straight", he can argue till the cows come home why it's Pork Roll and not Taylor Ham.